USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 67
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 67
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The small yearling seedlings brought about five cents each when sold out of the seed bed, and everyone who had a city lot had a seed bed of more or less size. There was here a chance to make money, and some made quite a lot of money in this way, but it induced a sort of gambling craze and the greater the amount of money was made this way, just so much the more money was available to grow more seedlings. For instance, the writer was able to buy about ten gallons of orange seed in the spring from a marmalade factory in Los Angles for fifty cents per gallon, (a very low price for orange seed) plant it in the spring under favorable conditions of soil and weather, and in six months sell the whole for $2,000 (without incurring any very extra expenditure for attendance). Instances like these set people wild with excitement, and many went into raising young trees on a large scale, one man planting as much as 1,000 gallons of seed. Up around the foothills was a favorite place where it was warm and mild in winter, and where the growing season was longer. The larger the tree, the better prices obtained. One firm in Los Angeles got as much as two hundred barrels of rotten oranges from San Francisco. All of these efforts to meet the great demand for young orange trees did not result in the success anticipated, as the market became overstocked with that class of trees, and unless the trees were exceptionally fine they were unsalabe. Some again to prevent present loss, put the young seedlings out in permanent form hoping to make more money by keeping them longer until they could be sold for planting orchards. Some who had not enough land of their own, rented land from others for nursery purposes with the condition that they would while raising their nursery stock plant the land to permanent orchard, and when the nursery stock was sold, the land would be left with a young
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growing orchard. Most of these experiments were failures. Some who had planted had not the means to carry the nursery to completion, and like all other crazes, in the end nobody was benefitted except a very few who had means enough and perseverance to stay with it to the end. So onesided were the efforts to supply the demand for nursery stock, that most of the deciduous tree stock was brought in from the outside. Many thousands of orange trees were unsaleable. Those who could buy, and had land on which to plant, got trees for about ten cents each, fine trees at that and many trees were dug up and thrown away with the result that a few years after young orange trees were scarce and high.
A better state of affairs begins to prevail, and between frost and adverse conditions of various kinds, many orchards have been dug up, some to make way for building lots and many acres changed to alfalfa, deciduous trees, walnuts and other things that pay fairly well. Many nursery trees are also grown, especially walnuts, some of the young budded trees of improved stock on black walnut roots attaining a growth of twelve to fifteen feet, or even more in one season's growth. On the lower lands, on what might be termed river bottom lands, that were thought to be worthless, because they were too cold for oranges, there are now thrifty homes engaged in raising alfalfa, sweet potatoes, corn and vegetables of all kinds to perfection.
Dairymen also flourish. What at one time seemed almost disastrous, on account of failure of orange culture has turned out to be a blessing in disguise, but there are still large quantities of produce brought in from the outside that could and will ultimately be grown at home. The ques- tion of labor. especially Japanese labor, will in time be settled satisfac- torily and in place of the Japanese dominating and influencing the mar- ket for small fruits and vegetables, our own people will reap the benefits of supplying our own markets.
The earliest nursery men in Riverside were Carleton and Russell, who furnished most of the earlier trees set out. Mr. George T. Carle- ton built about the first brick residence, but after a few years sold out and went to Florence, Los Angeles County. P. S. Russell had a fine thirty acres on Colton Avenue which he afterwards sold to the Allen family. This was directly opposite the Anchorage. This land was sold for $300 per acre, a large price for the time. Mr. Russell bought a two and a half acre block on Vine Street, where he built a home and lived in the midst of his orchard, afterwards selling to F. A. Tetley at a comparatively low figure. Mr. Tetley retained the block and sold it finally for building purposes. Mr. Russell then went out beyond Moreno, where he established his home, but he was too early for that dry land, and without water for irrigation, and no deep pumping machinery, he lost about all he had and while in this condition he died leaving his family in rather poor circumstances.
Others took up the nursery business, notably L. C. Waite and John A. Simms who did a large business in orange nursery stock, and had made lots of money when they retired from business, each working on his own behalf. For various reasons neither of them were able to hold their after investments together, and although comfortably well off, are about in the class with all of the older pioneers, not by any means in the class with John D. Rockefeller.
The Chase nursery consisting of father and three sons. engaged in the nursery business largely after coming to Riverside, and sold many trees at a time when they were bringing good prices. A great many of their trees were used in planting the large tracts of land they acquired in Corona and in Riverside, the foundation of the large interests
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they now hold under the name of the National Orange Company. The recent death of the father at an advanced age, may make some altera- tion in the future plans of the firm.
PRIZE ESSAY ON RIVERSIDE. The Reflex in 1893 offered a prize of $25 in gold coin for the best essay on "Riverside's Commercial Future," the contest to be confined to pupils of the Riverside High School.
The essays entered in the contest were first carefully read and graded by the editor of the Reflex, on a scale of 100 for perfect, and assuming 85 to be the highest standard of merit that could be reasonably expected. They were then submitted in turn to Mr. A. H. Naftzger and Judge Harvey Potter, who read and graded them on the same basis, none of the judges knowing the grade of any other. An average was then made, showing Katie Boyd had received the highest, 81 2-3. The next highest average was received by Dane Coolidge, 80, while A. M. Aldrich received 75 and Perry O. Simons 71 2-3. Dane Coolidge has since been noted as a magazine writer.
Katie M. Boyd, the authoress of the first prize essay on "Riverside's Commercial Future," is very appropriately a native of Riverside. She was born on her father's place, northeast of town, September 15, 1874. She has always resided in Riverside, except when she took an occasional summer outing in the mountains or on the seashore, and has been wholly educated in the Riverside public schools. She went to school first in 1880, at a time when there were only two small buildings on the original school block on Sixth Street. She was among the best scholars in the high school and her success is the highest tribute that can be paid to the public schools of Riverside. The prize essay follows :
With what feelings of emotion do the pioneers of Riverside look upon the progress of their city. Yes, up this little city which is destined to become one of the leading centers of Southern California. What was it twenty years ago? A dry and barren plain with no vegetation except cactus and sage brush to tempt mortal eye. Coyotes and rabbits ruled without fear of being molested. Now it is seldom that we see either. Who of those first pioneers ever thought that they would found such a prosperous place? It must have seemed rather discouraging to the most brave as they pitched their tents that first night. Perhaps none are aware of what their feelings were. However, they braved all obstacles, and set to work with a stout heart. Little by little, improvements were made, the Riverside Canal being the most important. As soon as water was obtained, fruits and vegetables were able to be raised. But now a per- plexing question arose. "What fruits can be raised in Riverside?" And the dubious answer came: "Find out by costly experiment."
Semi-tropic fruits, particularly the raisin grape, and citrus fruits, were the aim of the early settlers. Almonds, prunes, etc., such fruits as are produced in the south of France, and every kind of deciduous fruits, were also tried, only to prove failures financially, and finally to be dug up for fuel. The lime did exceedingly well, but for various reasons did not give satisfactory profits, and after a costly experience was abandoned. The raisin grape proved a success, and Riverside was the pioneer in raisin making, but other places have since carried away the palm of superiority in that respect, as regards economy of production. The lemon was for years a doubtful experiment, owing to the lack of knowledge in keeping and properly curing the fruit. The seedling lemon, also, was not the best. in point of superiority, and as a stock to bud better varieties on, it was proved to be worthless, owing to liability to disease in the roots, and we only learned by experience to substitute the orange as a superior
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base. The lemon industry languished for many years, until Mr. Garcelon found that this fruit, picked at the proper time and fitly handled could be kept in perfect condition until it could be marketed in the summer time, when the demand for lemons was almost unlimited ; and now it bids fair, in Southern California, to outstrip the orange for profitable cultivation.
Riverside was also the first to appreciate the merits of the Riverside, or Washington Navel orange, and to go into the cultivation of that variety extensively ; and as it brings higher prices than any other variety, and is a superior orange, other places have undertaken the culture of this variety. But Riverside was the pioneer in this, as in many other things, until it has been considered the standard of excellence in almost every respect ; and to claim as great superiority as Riverside has been the ambition of every settlement for the last fifteen years.
The costly experiments of the earlier days have in no manner daunted the pioneer settlers; for today, and in spite of many disappointments and losses, they are as enterprising and enthusiastic as the most recent comer, and they can look back on what Riverside was twenty-two years ago, and compare it with the Riverside of today, with the proud satisfac- tion of having made this earth more beautiful than they found it.
But let us glance at the early history of Riverside. In the year 1869 Riverside received its first start. Louis Prevost, president of the Cali- fornia Silk Center Association, purchased 4,000 acres of the Rubidoux Rancho and 1,460 acres of the Hartshorn tract, which lay to the south- east of this; but. Prevost dying, in 1870, the association was broken up. Then, in the same year, a party consisting of J. W. North, James P. Greves, Dr. Sanford Eastman, E. G. Brown, Dr. K. D. Shugart. A. J. Twogood, D. C. Twogood, John Broadhurst, James A. Stewart and Wm. J. Linville bought out these lands and formed an organization under the name of "The Southern California Colony Association." The first fam- ilies came in September, and during the next two months the lands were surveyed and platted, the water system begun, and other active opera- tions were carried forward. The first building erected was the office of the company, built on the land since occupied by the depot of the Riverside, Santa Ana and Los Angeles Railway Company.
The first thing that must be obtained was water; for these old settlers did not take the damp and marshy lands by the river, but instead, they selected the higher and drier parts. As the water had to be brought from the Santa Ana River, some $55,000 were expended. The first plantings were made in the northern part of the city, which part is now the center of business.
The growth of the city was quite limited up to the year 1874, at which time about 1,500 acres had been brought under cultivation. So much having been accomplished it was evident to would-be speculators that Riverside could do something. At that time unimproved lands in the most desirable location were put on the market for $20 and $25 an acre. These same lands have since been sold for $1,600 and $2,000 per acre.
In 1875-76 the Riverside Land and Irrigating Company was formed, which enlarged and lengthened the upper canal, and constructed the lower canal, thus expending about $200,000. The land was then sub-divided into 10-acre lots, each ten facing on an avenue. The most famous of these avenues is Magnolia, which is 20 miles in length.
In the year 1885, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad was built into this place, and this proved to be the starting point of Riverside. How convenient and appropriate it seemed to be able to get on and off the cars in our own little town, and in an orange grove. Then indeed there was no need of a seven-mile ride in a lumbering stage coach ; and
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truly our citizens felt as if they were making rapid progress. Then a few years ago the motor line was built. At first this only carried pas- sengers, but lately it has begun taking freight. If a person wishes to go 10 Colton the motor will give him a better chance of seeing the country, but for a quick ride the Santa Fe is preferable.
Having heard something of the earlier history of Riverside, we will now state its productions and a slight estimate of its income. Ever since the year 1879 raisin growing and shipment has been quite an industry for this town. Ever since this time from $150 to $250 per acre has been realized, and in favorable seasons the latter sum is more often obtained. But by far the most important of all is orange culture. This increases at a marvelous rate each year. From the end of Magnolia Avenue up to the northern part of East Riverside, orange orchards meet the eye on every side. Although many of these are not in full bearing, yet in a few years they will be able to produce as much as any of the older orchards. In the new Victoria district many new orchards have been recently planted. These comprise for the greater part Washington navels, and as first-class navels bring from $3 to $4.50 per box, these groves will soon net a handsome sum of money for the growers. But one must not infer from this that the navel is the only high-priced orange. The Mediterranean sweet, Malta blood, St. Michael and the Ruby are fast coming into favor. But on account of the earlier ripening of the navel, it is usually able to be sold for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, thus relieving the grower of all the responsibilities during the winter.
As Riverside has been practically the pioneer in fruit growing in Southern California, and has set an example that has been followed by every new settlement since it became known as a fruit producer, it is fitting that she occupies a central position in the leading citrus belt of Southern California. Riverside is in the midst of the thriving cities, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Ontario, Pomona, South Riverside, Ales- sandro and Moreno. Could any one desire a more commanding position for a city ? All these towns cast their resplendant light upon this center of beauty. Moreover, what one of these places cannot hold its own in the matter of growing oranges or deciduous fruits? Does this not proclaim that Riverside is the center of the orange producing locality in the world? And if we gain county division, could any city become the county seat better than Riverside? For it would seem best that the chief city of a county should be that one which is in a thriving condition, and is also centrally located. If this point is realized it will also make Riverside a center of railroads, since it is most natural for any city to wish to be connected with a place of prosperity.
The San Jacinto and Perris valleys, which are destined to rival the famous San Jose Valley of Northern California in wealth, will also be intimately connected with Riverside by railroads and other methods of communication-probably a through line from the East, which will be but a continuation of a system that will send its ramifications to all the surrounding fruit-producing centers, making Riverside ultimately a rail- road center as well as the center of the fruit industry.
But supposing that we only consider our own little city. This valley, containing about 50,000 acres of land, all under water and equally pro- ductive with that which is now under cultivation, will undoubtedly become a city of wealth and of homes. Many Easterners who have never been in Riverside cannot realize how much money can be made in fruit raising. Supposing that one acre nets $100 (and this is a minimum estimate) 50,000 acres will realize $5,000,000. Since this land can support its occu-
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pants in a comfortable and luxurious manner, many people are induced to settle here. Moreover, a resident of Riverside always has two assur- ing points, viz. : a comfortable way in which to make a living. and good health. And who could resist the temptation of settling here?
But there is one thing of which we feel more proud than of our orange groves. This is our public school system. No other town of Southern California spends more time and consideration on its educational facilities. Our chief thought is the advancement of everything which pertains to education. Today we spend more money on our schools, per capita, than any similar place in California-and we might add, the United States. We are indeed the educational center of the country ; and a little more start and Riverside will be as noted for its educational advantages in Southern California as it is now for its horticultural excellencies. And with such educational facilities Riverside's posterity ought to be able to cope with any rival who might chance to present himself.
With such educational and positional advantages ought not even the doubts of the pessimist be dispelled? And as a railroad center, a horti- cultural center, an educational center, and the center of the new county our commercial possibilities seem unbounded. With the realization of these expectations our success is complete. When that time comes, and there is created a State of Southern California (and it is only a question of a few years until it is accomplished) Riverside will have attained such prominence and importance as to fairly entitle her (being a true repre- sentative of the new era of Southern California) to the capital of the new State-a State that in point of wealth, culture and resources will be one of the most important in the United States .- Katie Boyd.
CHAPTER XXVI
CLIMATE AND HEALTH
California from its earliest history had a reputation for mildness very conducive to health. That was the great magnet that drew people here as soon as the railroad across the continent was completed. The dis- covery of gold which occurred shortly after the American occupation drew many thousands here in the mad desire to hunt for gold. All routes were thronged with adventurers eager to be in time. The forty-niners had three routes to choose from, across the continent by ox team, by water down the east coast, and across the Nicaragua route or across the Isthmus of Panama, taking chances of getting up the coast to San Fran- cisco by whatever sailing vessel or steamer could be pressed into the service, or the long sea voyage round Cape Horn. It is pretty safe to say that whatever route was chosen, the wish was expressed that the other had been chosen. Overland there were Indians to be fought and after Salt Lake was reached there was a dry and almost unknown desert without feed, unexplored and trackless. The bleaching bones of men and animals with the abandoned paraphernalia of wagons and personal effects bore mute witness to the disasters of the overland route to the first adventurers. The Nicaragua route also had its dangers from fevers and difficulties of transportation, which also pertained to the Isthmus of Panama. The Cape Horn route was also full of hardships and even worse from cold stormy weather and unseaworthy vessels. But when they reached California in the most favorable time of the year it looked like the promised land. When they could camp out night and day, sum- mer and winter, and live on plain scanty fare and maintain good health, something they could hardly have done in the eastern home, then came the desire to go back and make arrangements to make the permanent home in California.
All through the warm summer months with the dry atmosphere and vegetation there is no dew, hence night air that dread of people in damper climates has no terror for Californians and when he has his camping out- fit along, a camp where there is wood and water is the ideal place to sleep and get up in the morning refreshed and fit for the duties of the day.
Eastern people remark the Californians are particularly loyal to their State, and with good reason, for so many of them have recovered shat- tered health and been restored to usefulness, many of them for fifteen or twenty years or even more. A notable instance of restoration to health and to nearly thirty years of active usefulness, is that of J. H. Reed who was told by his doctors back in his eastern home to come to California where he might have a year or two more of life.
Mr. Reed came to California in 1890 with the sword of death hang- ing over him. His first effort in the struggle for existence was to buy a horse and buckboard, load it with blankets and necessary food supplies, and with his son Fred start out living in the open air all the time, and when they came to a convenient place where there was water and wood and if no wood, it was an easy matter to throw a few sticks of wood on the buckboard en route to serve what little cooking was necessary, for in the eight or ten summer months there is no need of fire for heating pur- poses, but it is often a great source of good fellowship among campers to sit around a little fire and rehearse the experiences of former life. Mr. Reed and his son spent several months in this way gaining health
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all the time and getting acquainted with California, and California peo- ple until he felt so well that it seemed he could begin a new life in a new land. Riverside was the chosen place and it was not long before there was a new home and a reunited family and old neighbors coming to remind him that there were others that could appreciate the new land, and the genial climate and anon, there were the grandchildren and great- grandchildren to rise up and call him blessed. One of his great-grand- children he called his little sunshine, because she brightened his latter days in a very pleasant way. Mr. Reed was also a great lover of flowers and he had them in abundance on the terraces of his home place.
Mr. Reed was an invalid and a comparatively old man when be came to Riverside with the doctor's consolation that he might live a year longer if he came to California, but he lived for about thirty years of the most active life possible as an orange grower and the suggestor of some of the most useful and economical ideas in regard to frost protection and the shipping and handling of oranges and the establishment of the Experiment Station. As a sort of by-play he founded the Riverside Horticultural Club, which had a useful existence until superseded by more extensive operations by the State and National government. It almost looked to some of us with him, as with some others, that he was so busy that death could not find a weak spot until the whole physical was completely worn out like Oliver Wendell Holmes' "One Horse Shay."
One more instance that is more than local. Away in the early days of California in the eighties or maybe before, for it is so long ago that it seems impossible to hunt up the original details, there was a noted doctor and health reformer physically as well as mentally named Dio Lewis who came to California from New York on one of his reform missions for a rest and possibly for his health, too. As was not at all uncommon at that time to those who liked novelty he took to wandering and camping out, riding horseback, carrying his blankets and camping outfit as he went along. A California's outfit in the early days was rather simple, a frying pan and tin cup for making his coffee in and about all he carried in the line of provisions was flour, bacon, coffee and sugar. Those who were more fastidious added to the outfit as much more as fancy indicated. As a matter of course a canteen for water on the journey with a knife, fork and spoon. Flapjacks were the general bread, although bread from yeast powder or self-rising flour was often inade for a change. In making pancakes a man was not an expert unless he could toss his pancake, that is by deft motion of the frying pan throw his pancake up in the air and catch it again in the frying pan upside down. The tradition is that those who were as prospectors stable enough to stay in a place long enough to justify it, put up a shanty with a wide chimney and fireplace. On cooking his pancakes he ought to (if an expert), be able to toss the pancake out of the top of the chimney and get out of door quick enough to catch his turned pancake outside in the frying pan.
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